Donations are needed for the upcoming Santa Barbara County Veterans Stand Down.
The Stand Down will be held in Santa Maria this year on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Santa Maria Fairpark.
The event will offer hot food, showers, clothing, hygiene items, medical exams, social services, help with benefits, employment counseling, and other services to local veterans in need.
Donations of NEW items will be collected throughout September and October in Santa Maria and Lompoc.
Drop-off dates and locations in Santa Maria are:
Walmart, 2220 S. Bradley Ave., Santa Maria
Sept. 28: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sept. 29: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 12: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 13: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Santa Maria Fairground, 937 S. Thornburg St.
Sept. 25: Noon to 2 p.m.
Oct. 2: Noon to 2 p.m.
Oct. 9: Noon to 2 p.m.
Oct. 16: Noon to 2 p.m.
For Fairpark donation drop-offs, drivers should enter the Fairpark through Gate 5 at the corner of Stowell Road and Depot Street. Look for the Veterans Stand Down signs at the auction barn.
Drop-off dates and locations in Lompoc are:
Walmart, 701 W. Central Ave., Lompoc
Sept. 28: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sept. 29: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 12: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Oct. 13: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lompoc Family YMCA, 201 W. College Ave.
Donations accepted through Oct. 15
Mondays through Thursdays: 5 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Fridays: 5 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturdays: 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Sundays: Noon to 5 p.m.
Donations can now be made online. Stand Down organizers have created an easy link for donors to select much needed items at Walmart.com and have them delivered directly to Stand Down.
Follow the directions at this website and select from dozens of items needed by veterans. Items will be collected by Primo Heredia, Stand Down Clothing and Hygiene Committee member. At check-out, donors should select the option for "pickup Free." After entering "93455" as a zip code, select Walmart at 2220 S. Bradley Road, Santa Maria. Pickup person should be listed as Primo Heredia, at sbcstanddown@gmail.com and 805-478-0412.
To register for the Veterans Stand Down, click hereor call (805) 346-8402 for more information.
